{"id":9013,"date":"2023-05-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=9013"},"modified":"2023-05-06T06:49:06","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T06:49:06","slug":"u-s-army-operational-test-command-welcomes-new-command-sergeant-major","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=9013","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Army Operational Test Command welcomes new command sergeant major"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"U.S.
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, incoming OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. receives the unit\u2019s colors from OTC Commander Col. George C. Hackler as outgoing OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy (right) stands at attention until passing the colors is complete. Passing of the colors by Hackler symbolizes delegating authority and entrusting Johnson with the responsibility and care of the organizational colors.
\n (Photo Credit: Mr. Tad Browning, OTC Lead Audiovisual Production Specialist)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

WEST FORT CAVAZOS, Texas \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0A new Command Sergeant Major took over the reigns as standard bearer Friday for the unit responsible for testing all new and modernized Army equipment.<\/p>\n

Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. arrives to be OTC\u2019s 21st\u00a0senior enlisted leader after serving the same role with the 3rd\u00a0Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.<\/p>\n

Johnson takes the place of Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy, who has been with OTC since Oct. 9, 2020.<\/p>\n

Conroy will move into retirement with a ceremony planned for May 25 on the installation.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"U.S.
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, OTC\u2019s outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy, receives the symbolic \u201clast round fired\u201d from a cannon salute provided by the storied 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
\n (Photo Credit: Mr. Tad Browning, OTC Lead Audiovisual Production Specialist)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThank you for two-and-a-half years of caring for our Soldiers, our Civilians and our Families,\u201d said OTC Commander Col. George C. Hackler, to Conroy and his wife Claudia.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for ensuring our Army Soldiers will receive the right equipment as they deploy to combat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hackler told the estimated crowd of 200 how Conroy marched on during the COVID-19 pandemic as a driving force to keep the equipment testing mission moving.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis foresight and thoughtful leadership allowed the command to stay focused, to keep everyone safe,\u201d said Hackler.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"U.S.
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, OTC\u2019s senior military leaders stand ready for ceremonies to begin. From front to back stand incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. arriving after serving as senior enlisted advisor of the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; OTC Commander Col. George C. Hackler; and outgoing OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy, who will move into retirement with a ceremony to take place at OTC May 25.
\n (Photo Credit: Mr. Tad Browning, OTC Lead Audiovisual Production Specialist)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHe has led OTC through a very busy time as the Army modernizes, and we have not failed a mission. During his tenure we\u2019ve conducted 149 test events in Europe, in Alaska and the Pacific \u2014 all around the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of those equipment tests include the Joint Assault Bridge, Leader Radio Manpack, the Infantry Squad Vehicle, and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle to name a few.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to name all 149 tests,\u201d Hackler said to laughter. \u201cThat just names a few and goes to show how much Marty\u2019s leadership has impacted the Soldiers in the Army.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of those things are being used today and they will be used into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hackler then introduced Johnson, saying, \u201cThe great thing about the Army is when they take a teammate, they always bring one back in too, and I\u2019d like to be the first to welcome Joe and (wife) Darlene to the OTC Family and Fort Hood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"U.S.
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, incoming OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. (right) does a \u201chigh five\u201d with outgoing OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy as they pass each other to and from the speaker\u2019s podium.
\n (Photo Credit: Mr. Tad Browning, OTC Lead Audiovisual Production Specialist)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Hackler then charged Johnson with his upcoming mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Johnson I will ask a lot from you while you are here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure OTC is ready to test. Work with the test unit to ensure that they are ready to test. Lead our NCOs Corps. Guide and mentor me, and most importantly, take care of Soldiers and Civilians and Families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are responsible for preventing discovery in combat,\u201d Hackler added. \u201cSoldiers have confidence in their equipment because OTC tested that equipment in realistic combat environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Conroy took the podium, he thanked everyone \u2014 present and past \u2014 for their support.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe take our mission very seriously here at OTC,\u201d Conroy said.<\/p>\n

As for OTC\u2019s testing mission, Conroy turned his remarks to Johnson, his replacement, and said, \u201cThis job can be frustrating at times. There\u2019s no instant gratification. This process is long and drawn out, but for a good reason. You\u2019re not going to conduct an OT test one month, and then see that equipment out in the field the next month.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next, Conroy reflected on his first operational test.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Joint Assault Bridge at Fort Riley, Kansas \u2014 it took just shy of 2-and-a-half years for me to see the first semi-trucks rolling down Interstate 14 while I was coming in to work, with Joint Assault Bridges on the back of their trailers just about three or four months ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then about a month ago, we got to see those same JABs out in the field with Soldiers training with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chalked up another success as he picked up\u00a0\u201cArmy Times\u201d<\/em>\u00a0one day.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother small victory was reading in the Army Times that the 3rd\u00a0Infantry Division was receiving their first batch of Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles that we tested last summer,\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough the process may be slower than we may like, it is comforting to know that a piece of equipment that goes to full rate production and issued to our American sons and daughters has gone through the rigorous operational testing of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"U.S.
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, incoming OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. takes his turn speaking at the podium. Johnson said, \u201cI promise in this role I will ensure OTC professionals have the support needed to take care of their families and accomplish the mission.\u201d
\n (Photo Credit: Mr. Tad Browning, OTC Lead Audiovisual Production Specialist)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

As with most incoming leaders, Johnson\u2019s remarks were thoughtfully brief.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my sincere honor and distinct privilege to stand before you today as the United States Army Operational Test Command\u2019s 21st\u00a0Command Sergeant Major,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI thank Colonel promotable Hackler for his trust and confidence in me to serve in this role, and my bride Darlene for her enduring support. Without you I would not be here.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise in this role I will ensure OTC professionals have the support needed to take care of their families and accomplish the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank Colonel promotable Hackler for his trust and confidence in me to serve in this role, and my (family) for their enduring support. Without you I would not be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise in this role I will ensure OTC professionals have the support needed to take care of their families and accomplish the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

During the U.S. Army Operational Test Command\u2019s Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility event May 5, 2023, incoming OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. receives the unit\u2019s colors from OTC Commander Col. George C. Hackler as outgoing OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Martin M. Conroy (right) stands at attention until passing the colors is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":528,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9013","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9013","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9013"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9013\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9014,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9013\/revisions\/9014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9013"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9013"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9013"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}